Video #244: “Thinking of how to piece and design finished things together… help in this direction is greatly appreciated.” ~DJ
So we’ve come a long way this month… it started out with learning how to make a Celtic Knot Pendant (Vol-045-1)… then we constructed a realistic looking Faux Wood Cane (Vol-045-2)… from which we cut and applied some Faux Wood Veneer. Now it’s time to wrap up this February series by finish sanding your Celtic Heart Necklace and making it into a necklace(Vol-045-4).
Cindy – Do you have any tips for sanding those tight spots? ~Hope-M
A lot of ideas have been covered in past tutorials, I’d love to hear your ideas on how to put them all together.
Thanks. ~Jan-G
I agree with Jan’s suggestion. I know many of you are great designers, but I could stand some pointers on how we could put it all together. ~Monique-U
I would also like to have some tutoring on how to construct pieces. My hands are bad and I obsess to get the object of the video each time… maybe you can give me that kick in the butt to get to the next level??? ~Jocelyn-C
Well… coming up tomorrow (Friday, February 24, 2012) in the Vol-045-4 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I will demonstrate how to give your faux wood Celtic heart pendant a beautiful professional finish and then create a knotted adjustable cord to complete this heartfelt jewelry project.
***********************************************************************************************
Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-045-4 Celtic Heart Necklace:
- Sculpted and baked Faux Wood Celtic Heart Pendant (see Vol-045-1, Vol-045-2 and Vol-045-3 for complete instructions.
- Micro Mesh Pads and swabs or Wet/Dry Sandpaper in the following grits (400g/600g/800g/1000g).
- Bin of cold soapy water and towel.
- Buffing supplies (Soft cloth or a Dremel tool with felt buffing wheel.
- Studio By Sculpey Antiquing Medium
or Gilder’s Paste
. I used Damson- Gilder’s Paste, but any antiquing medium in a darker color will do.
- Pointed tool for making sanding stick. It will make sense once you see the video.
- Paper Towels.
- Scissors.
- Cording. I used 80″ (204 cm) of 2mm Greek Leather in a Dark Red/Burgundy color. But any cording or ribbon will do.
- G-S Hypo Cement
By the way, if you did not already know, those “shopping” links I provided above for the various tools and supplies, are “affiliate” links. That means companies like Amazon pay me a small commission if you click on the links and end up making a purchase at their site. It’s not a lot, but every bit helps in keeping the cost of my tutorials so low… at only $3.32 per month ;-)
The full version of the Vol-045-4 Celtic Heart Necklace video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday, February 24, 2012.
The full version of the “Celtic Heart Necklace” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-045 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
I have told so many about your tutes, the low cost and how all of this has stretched me creatively. I am now making things I never thought I could. Thank you and Doug – hugs. ~Patt-W
Here Here!! Cindy, your site is an invaluable resource for us passionate clayers! Thanks so much for all you do for us. EVERY month is a treasure. ~Dawn-B
We have a great teacher in Cindy and for what we pay we get heaps of value, I’m sure everyone agrees. Bye. Love. ~Elizabeth-K
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Celtic Heart Necklace video tutorial:
- See examples of necklaces with a faux wood Celtic heart pendants.
- Find out how simple it is to get a truly professional finish on your faux wood pieces.
- Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique wood grain jewelry of your own.
The full version of the “Celtic Heart Necklace” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-045 Back Issue Package.
  |
Oh my! I feel famous today. :D Can’t wait to view this tutorial. (I say that every time I think. LOL!)
You are dangling the carrot !!!! This part is different, huh? Finishing a project is always fun. You try this -then you try that. hmmm which one is best…… A table full of stuff……just trying it on, thank you………. Still, we have to wait to see YOUR finish…………..sigh
another can’t wait. Was wondering how to finish a knotted piece.
What a wonderful video, Cindy! (It was great to see you review the “basics” that everyone takes for granted, also.) I love how you stress, time and again, how these finishing details make all the difference. I always chuckle to myself when I overhear those customers at craft fairs: “Oh, I can make that myself!” How much care and effort is involved in reaching the sellable product, or just something one is proud to wear! I guess that’s why so many become discouraged when first trying a new craft that “looks so easy”… but it is so worth persevering. As always, we’ll get out of a project what we put into it. Thanks for making February 2012 a great learning experience for us!
Proper finishing is sooo important. I am a huge fan of Project Runway, they are all fantastic designer and judges often talk about a design not looking finished. Cindy’s TuT emphasizes little things like making sure the knots in the front are the same direction, sanding the holes in the heart, etc. It is tempting to want to wear something right away but these steps take a piece from being really nice to being SPECTACULAR !!!
Yep! Another nice tute! Loved the tip of getting into tight places with the sand paper. I have been working on a hugh project and I haven’t tried this tute series yet. So, I’m looking foward to using this technique on other shapes as well. Like using this to decorate papermache boxes to look like wood with carvings on it! Or make a faux wood carved photo frame. So, many ideas and not enough time.
I just thought of something, I used to have problems with what to do next. No ideas, no projects, no inspirations. Not now! You give me too many ideas and inspirations and possible projects. I now have to schedule my time and make lists to insure I do all that I want to do! I’m getting behind and I really need a 48 hour day! So good to be busy with FUN projects!! Thanks!!
Thank you so much for saying that Catalina! I know that there is often talk in any art/craft community of artist’s block or just being uninspired. To know that my tutorials can remove that block, is exciting to hear!
I think sometimes people look at all the amazing stuff out there and then get intimidated by it. They worry theirs is not as good, or as interesting or that they can’t figure out how they are going to make something that has their own ‘voice’ that is nearly as great. So they just sit there frozen.
In those cases,my advice is to just pick a tutorial (there are now over 245) and just go for it! It doesn’t have to be your normal style or taste, or even your favorite technique (like caning or faux stuff). Just pick something you haven’t tried before. This will build your skills and make you a more confident clayer. When you are more competent and more confident, your own style will emerge. Until then, you need to stop stressing about it and have fun!
Catalina, you have figured this out already, haven’t you.
I look at ideas different than I think most people do. I am constantly bombarded with fresh concepts and ideas from life around me. In fact there are so many, that most likely, I will never get to them all. I wish sometimes that all I had to do was come up with ideas. Think tank style. Just throw me into a room with a mass amount of supplies and materials and let me play for days on end. I would be in heaven. Honestly, polymer clay is just the coolest medium ever! It would take a lifetime to run out of things to do with it!
I think the reason ideas come so freely to me is that I don’t care if they don’t work, or if they go nowhere. They are just experiments. If I try something and it looks weird, I push it to the side and try something else. Sometimes those discards will resurface and I think of using them in another way. Then a new idea is born. Sometimes they sit in a jar to the side forever and never get touched. I am not worried about failing. There have been successes. There have been failures. Both are interesting and challenging to me.
One thing you should know is that you are NEVER BEHIND, when it comes to your tutorials. If you have the tutorial in your library, you watch it but can’t get to actually making it yet, don’t worry. The videos will be there when you need them and in the mean time you are adding to your knowledge base. You never know when the timing will be perfect to try that turial you haven’t done yet. No matter when that is.
Do schedule in some clay time as often as possible. Pick a tutorial and work on it. There is no need to rush it. Just enjoy!!
You are welcome, Cindy! You did read my mind. Failure is not a waste of time and effort IF you learned from it! Then it becomes a small success because you obtained a little more knowledge.
I know what you mean about keeping your mistakes or ideas that don’t turn out well. I just did that and I went back to it to decide whether or not to scrap it or use it. Well, guess what? I invented something new! Best part, I was able to reproduce it, too!!
You know I live in my basement studio (hee he) even though I have a new living room, dinning, and bedroom! So, I guess you can say I have a lot time, usually, to play! I need a maid! And a cook! I will never run out of clay time!! LOL!!
Just finished watching the tutorial and was NOT disappointed… investing in your weekly videos is one of the smartest things (probably THE smartest) regarding polymer clay I have ever done……
You are extremely appreciated.
Blessings,
Bonnie
Isn’t this a great tute ? A whole month of a project – from start to finish. No excuses now – ya gotta make THIS !! Ideas running in my head. Don’t answer the phone- or do the dishes or dust those pesky cobwebs – just PLAY CLAY CLAY. That’s what I’m going to do – see you in a few days LOL.
Thanks for a superb tute, Cindy. I do so look forward to Fridays………….
Great tute. Always good to go over the sanding as that’s what makes everything pop. Loved the corded necklace. thanks for showing how to do it.
Hi Cindy:
I have gotten your Newsletters for a long time, especially in the beginning-I was not so diligent in checking my email account so my B series cards have a LOT missing. I see now that there is a short window of time to view them. Is there a reason why that the time is limited?
Is there any way that I can regain access to them? I would be willing to pay for them.
I second Pauline’s request: I, too, have would love to buy many of the “older” B-series palettes offered before I was on the newsletter. I even have folders with the inspiration photos inside, just waiting to be joined by the recipes! LOL… I know this is on your long, LOONNGG list, Doug. I realize you are offering some “back issue” palettes each month, but I am curious how far back you will make them available (in which case I can wait patiently for them to appear, since I hope to be here for as long as Cindy is willing to keep up her wonderful site…Long May She Reign!)
Hi Pauline and Monique and the gazillion others (slight exaggeration), who have been emailing about the B-Recipes.
The reason why there is a time limit for accessing the B-Recipes is because of issues that have come up in the past with digital theft. This matter has been discussed elsewhere on the blog, so I won’t go into the details again, in this thread.
However, I do have a proposition for those who may be interested in purchasing access to back issues of the B-recipes at this point.
For a long time, Cindy and I have been planning to set up archives for the B-recipes. But one of the hold-ups has been that Cindy needs to update a few of the older cards that call for colors which have been discontinued from the Premo line. Although there are not a lot of them, it’s been holding up the project.
Any way, here is a proposal that may work for some of you. The B-recipe cards are currently being grouped into 24 month sets. So it would be possible for me to set up two separate download pages…
1) For all of the cards from Vol-001 to Vol-024 (four per month = 96 recipe cards in all).
2) And the second batch would include the cards from Vol-025 to Vol-048. As most of you know, the newsletter is current up to the end of Vol-045, so this second 24 month package is still being added to.
Now although I won’t have a lot of time at this stage to set up a snazzy archive section at the members library, I would be able create 2 simple “Buy Now” buttons that would grant access to the two separate B-recipe download pages as described above.
So my question back to those who may be interested in this service, is… how much would be willing to pay if I could squeak some hours out of my day to get this done for you guys?
Since I have no idea how you set up your pricing on the original Volume Issues, I am going to open a negotiating price of $60.00 for the Part 1 B Series 001 to 024 Recipe Color Palette Cards (96 included).
For the second part, I will have to list out have many I have and don’t have to see what I need to do there. I know you are reviewing back some but let me look at that.
But definitely Part One.. how does that price come in for both of you? Let me know?
Doug, I am in the same boat as Pauline. I can say “yes” to Series B 001-024 since I have none of them (actually, I could only identify inspiration photos from 009-024 via old blog headings, but I would buy the first eight palettes sight unseen. I am that confident I will love them!) I guess Pauline’s suggested price would be acceptable to me; it works out to $2.50 per palette.
[I actually mail-ordered some Cobalt Blue and Zinc Yellow last month so I could mix some of the earliest Series A palettes I have purchased, and I have the Polyform-suggested recipes for some of the other discontinued colours. Also just bought Carolyn Good’s Clay Color System (for Kato). OK, it’s official; I have become a colour junkie… *sigh]
As for Vol-025 onwards, since I have quite a few (since going on the newsletter last Fall), I’d want to buy the balance individually. Hope that this makes sense for you guys. Thanks for trying so hard; we sure can’t find fault with your “customer service”!
How clever of you Cindy to dedicate a whole month completing one project from start to beautiful finish. As you say, the finish is so important.
I had been playing with clay a long time before I became a “Cindy Girl” and what a difference it has made to my finished pieces. I hope that the suppliers of all the tools etc. you recommend know how thankful we are that you also show us the best methods of using them.
Sometimes the written instructions are no help. In the past I have purchased the new “must have gadget or tool” only to throw it in a drawer in despair, as just couldn’t get the hang!
I loved this faux wood finish, (so realistic) The unique way it was veneered to the celtic heart, the importance of sanding buffing and giving it an antique finish. (Just hope I can order some Gilders Paste here in the UK as this product sounds just what I have been looking for)
Lastly the use of a sliding leather thong, so quick to make and one size fits all. So give yourself ten gold * * * * * * * * * * and 10 for Doug too, as the quality you both give is 100%.
So anybody who is still dithering about becoming a member, UR missing out . Take the plunge and sign up, I am sure it will change your life.
Trouble is there is no know cure for this addiction (but I’m happy with that!!!)………..Cheers xx
Hi Elaine
I live in UK too and I buy my Gilders Paste from Ebay. There’s only one supplier on Ebay.uk, and I can tell you they’re excellent – reasonably priced and items arrive really fast. I’m crazy about the stuff … you can achieve some beautiful effects with it, and I can honestly say it’s one of my must-haves. Hope this helps.
In another thread, Dixie Ann posted some more info about sourcing the Gilders Paste (in Wisconsin).
NOTE TO SELF: Really must think about putting together a resource where members can post and share information about suppliers of products that Cindy uses in the tutes. There is a lot of information like that scattered around in the various posts here at the blog… but wouldn’t it be nice to have it all in one central location…???
I was just scrolling through all the back volumes of our clay lessons and WOW! Does anyone realize all we have learned? what a treasure this website holds. I know I have advanced as a clayer. I found a few I hadn’t done before but now look doable or my tastes have changed and now I will look at them closer. Thanks Cindy, Doug,etc. for the fun and learning.
Thanks Pollyanna. It’s great to have you as part of the community.
Here’s the actual numbers, if any one is keeping score ;-)
1069 articles
28,829 comments
244 tutorial videos
360 color recipes
1000’s of project photos from members all around the world… which shows that Cindy’s lessons are very doable for clayers of all skill levels.
And no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Hi Everyone
So good to be back – we have been passing a cold back and forth :/ But now I can breathe and taste again – yay
Loved this months tutorials Cindy just wonderful ! I was shown how to do this leather/cording knot a few years ago by the first lady to ever sell my beads for me :) hugs to you Kim
BUT I’m SO right handed that my tag ends kept going in the wrong directions – my Tip for any one else dealing w/ this is to: Tie the 1st side (just as you did) then turn the necklace around and do the 2nd side just as if it were the 1st
hope that made since
I’ve missed so much: new members, new colors and alot of great comments…
Doubley looking forward to this Friday, it’s my 50th birthday :D
I <3 b-days
Hi Lesley, Where abouts in the UK?
Thanks for the TIP.
I ordered my gilders paste from ebay and wow the postman smiled at me as he handed over three packages THE NEXT DAY.
One was really heavy as at last treated myself to a steel block for wirework. I’ve been using an old flat iron wedged upside down in a bale of compressed woodchip but as the horses needs had to be met it was trundled off back to the stables.
The gilders paste is fantastic. I ordered gold and damson. Experimenting mixing it with light tan boot polish to eke it out and get the colour I wanted to antique some ivory masks. Looked a treat , but will let them rest for a few months to check the finish. Has anyone else mixed other stuff with this paste?
Also thanks to DIXIE ANN for helpful advice about mixing colours, now I have just got to get the whole set and do some more experiments!………………… Cheers xx
Hi Elaine, I’m in lovely North Devon, how about you?
Glad you got your Gilders Paste – my favourites so far are the German Silver (fabulous) and the African Bronze, am gradually acquiring more colours. Love the tip about mixing with boot polish for antiquing … hmmmm, more experimentation coming up ….
Brilliant idea to use a flat iron for wirework! – I haven’t yet got round to a steel block …. don’t laugh, I’ve been using a great big flat beach stone (well, I do live near the beach) but it’s far from ideal … and I do have an old flat iron …. now WHY didn’t I think of that?
I just love all the tips and ideas I find on here …. thanks to everyone, this site is a constant inspiration!
Hey there, I just wanted to say that I really loved this series of tutorials. I am not a clay player at all but have been looking for tips for a specific jewellery project I’ve planned out and this one has been really helpful.
Would it be possible to get a tutorial that expands on the celtic knots? The celtic heart is beautiful but very simple – I am still completely confuzzled as to how to manipulate clay to get a slightly more complex knot.
Hi Ren, I am very pleased to hear you enjoyed the Celtic Heart tutorials! I am looking forward to seeing pics of your special jewelry project when it is done. It sounds intriguing!
As far as more Complex Celtic Knots tutorials in the future… that would be fun. I’ll put it on the list of possibilities and see if something comes out of it. I love getting suggestions from everyone!